I am writing to ask that the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives be
granted an exemption from the general policy prohibiting the serving of alcohol
on school system property.

As you may know, GLAA holds our regular meetings at the Charles Sumner School
Museum and Archives. It is a beautiful building with great historical
significance.

For many years, GLAA also held our anniversary reception at Sumner, in the
Great Hall.

Two years ago we were informed that the champagne toast at our reception would
no longer be allowed, as a blanket no-alcohol policy had been adopted for all
school buildings.

We were disappointed by this policy regarding Sumner. Sumner does not operate
as a school, but rather as a museum, archive and show place for the District.
The promotional literature for Sumner states "It now serves as a hospitality
center for the District of Columbia Public Schools and as a museum and
archive."

Sumner is for all DC residents and visitors, not just for children. The evening
programs and events are almost entirely aimed at adults. Obviously not all of
the receptions or functions would offer alcohol, just as not many of the events
provide catering.

The Sumner's venue does not lend itself to wild parties or problems related to
alcohol, and to the best of our knowledge there weren't any problems prior to
the prohibition. GLAA has no problem with reasonable restrictions on alcohol,
just as we have no problem with the reasonable restrictions on food at Sumner.
Currently no dark liquids or greasy foods may be served. Similarly a
restriction on red wines or other dark alcoholic beverages is equally
reasonable to protect the décor.

I hope that you agree with us that the Charles Sumner School Museum and
Archive is a unique building within the school system and should not be subject
to the same ban on alcohol as other facilities.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Bob Summersgill
President

Cc: Members of the DC Board of Education
Paul L. Vance, Superintendent